NEWS

                          Most recent event first

EXMOUTH FESTIVAL OF BRASS                           SEPT 2010

A long but enjoyable day was had by the band at the annual Festival of Brass , held at Emouths Pavillion Theatre.  With 14 entries there was to be a feast of music both inside and outside the venue. Being drawn number seven the band had time to chill out in glorious sunshine until it was their turn to take the stage to perform their 25 minute entertainment programm to be judged by Col Chris Davies OBE. The band opened the programme with William Rimmers march 'Punchinnello' and followed this with an arrangemnt of Beethovens 'Rondhino Pathetique' . Then it was the turn of the trombone section to play a lively rendition of Wim Lasserons 'Magic Slides'. The next piece recieved some good comments from the adjudicator and audience alike , mainly praisng the efforts of our soprano star Hannah Spooner , featured along with our tuned percussionist John Fitton in 'Lymington Quay' . For their finale the band chose the music from Michael Flatleys hit show 'Lord of the Dance'.  When the results were announced the band were placed fifth overall and were awarded the Harris Cup for the highest placed Ungraded Band         

MINEHEAD BANDSTAND                                         AUG 2010

A dull and overcast morning greeted the band as they arrived for the morning performance. A small audience  gathered under the trees to shelter from the wind and enjoy a varied programme of music. After lunch the clouds began to break for a while and a large crowd sat for most of the afternoon that is until the last item of the concert was met by strong winds and a sudden downpour which led to most of the audience running for shelter under the trees.   

TOPSHAM CARNIVAL                                               AUG 2010

Once again the band played at Topsham and were warmly received by the large crowds on the carnival route through the town. At the end of the carnival the band played on the quay and were pleased to have a large audience for the 'mini concert'  

BOVEY TRACEY CARNIVAL                                    AUG 2010

In good weather the band led Bovey Tracey carnival through the streets . A large crowd watched the event and enjoyed the bands , floats and all the walking entries. Although small in numbers the band played well and the music was enjoyed by the crowds lining the route. 

ROLLS ROYCE EVENT, GREENHAM                      AUG 2010

The band are quite used to playing at vintage car rallies but this one was very different.  Set in the gardens of a private house on the Devon / Somerset border , Roll Royce,  Bentley and  Aston Martin enthusiasts from all over the south of England had gathered for their day of fund raising with proceeds being split between a childrens charity and Help for Heroes . The car parking field was full of Rolls Royce , Bentley and Aston Martin cars and made quite a display before you entered the gardens and garages of the house to view the large selection of vehicles owned by the host for the day .Visitors to the event were treated to a Hog roast and various cakes and pies for afternoon tea, whilst sitting and listening to the band playing on the lawns . Numerous photos of the band were taken along with the vintage cars and some will appear on this website soon .  

BICKNOLLER FLOWER SHOW                               JULY 2010

The band had been asked to play at Bicknoller for the annual Flower Show. Playing in glorous sunshine a large crowd enjoyed the days proceedings. After refreshments the crowd sat around on the grass and listened to the second set. Everyone
enjoyed the afternoon and hope to
                                           return next year.    

MID DEVON SHOW                                                  JULY 2010

Returning to play at the Mid Devon Show for the first time in 15 years , the band enjoyed glorious sunshine and a large audience for both of there perfomances in the Music Tent. With bandmaster having jokes and laughs with the audience it only left the audience to come back for the second set and bring there friends with them . Standing room only was the only option for the second set and when introduced by 'The Wag from Widdecombe -Mr Tony Beard (of BBC Radio Devon fame ) the applause was in danger of filling the bands set . A varied programme of music was played throughout the day and was enjoyed by everyone who sat around listening.  Nearing the end of a busy month the band were pleased with their performances and were looking forward very much to a Sunday off !!  

HISTORIC VEHICLE RALLY                                    JULY 2010

Another glorious day greeted players , many of whom had camped locally,  to the Historic Vehicle Rally .Playing at Teignmouth in the morning whilst the cars and drivers took a pit stop, a large crowd gathered around as the band played popular music, the crowd even contained holiday makers who had come out of the seafront hotels to view proceedings on the Den .

In the afternoon the band played at Mullinis Park in Bovey Tracey wher hundreds of people gathered to look at all the vehicles in the sunshine. Again a varied programme of music was played and being placed near the beer tent a lot of people sat around enjoying the music whilst sampling   the local ales  

ASHBURTON ALE FESTIVAL                                 JULY 2010

The band took part in the 700th celebrations of the Bread Weighing and Ale Tasting ceremony . In glorious sunshine the band led the procession around the town, with all followers in traditional costumes. The band were thanked and invited to return next year.   

PIXTON PARK PROMS CONCERT                         JULY 2010

The band had been asked to take part in a proms, concert to raise funds for the Help For Heroes charity , at Pixton Park , Dulverton on the edge of Exmoor. Joining forces with the Alan Lewis Allstars and The Two Rivers ensemble a large crowd , sat on the grass with their wine and picnics , were treated to an evening of fantastic music played to a very high standard, culminating in all the musicians playing together for the Proms Finale. Although the final figure raised has not been announced a large sum of money will be presented to the charity in due course and plans are already being made to make next years concert bigger and better .    

BOVEY TRACEY PARADE                                      JULY 2010

A quick drive down the motorway led the band to Bovey Tracey for the 750th Charter celebrations. Leading the parade trough the town the small band were warmley appreciated by locals and holiday makers alike and had the crowds clapping along to their music. An afternoon of fun and games was planned but the band couldnt rest and join in because it was back up the motorway to prepare for the next gig that evening.   

MOREBATH FETE                                                    JULY 2010

After the wonderful weather of the previous day it wasnt to be. As the band arrived the clouds had gathered and the wind was blowing . Halfway through the first set the drizling rain had started. Unfortunately the tea tent had been taken over for the public to shelter from the wind and rain which meant no room for players and instruments . The band took their break and started to play again but were met by even more drizzle being blown around by even stronger winds. The second stint was cut short and the band packed away before getting too wet.    

HOLCOMBE ROGUS                                                JULY 2010

An enjoyable afternoon was had by all at Holcombe Rogus Fete . Held in the wonderful surroundings of Holcombe Court a very large crowd were able to enjoy glorious sunshine whilst visiting stalls and listening to the band who played in front of the mansion house.
      A large amount of money was raised and the band were booked for 2011  

CULLOMPTON FESTIVAL                                       JUNE 2010

The band played a concert at the Walrods almshouse in Cullompton, as part of the Cullompton Festival. Playing in the gardens, it was a very informal concert and was enjoyed by a large audience in pleasant surroundings . Over £100 was raised towards festival funds and the band were asked to come back again next year  

BUGLE CONTEST                                                    JUNE 2010

On Saturday 19th June the band travelled to Bugle in Cornwall for the West of England Bandsmens Festival. Leaving at the early hour of 7.30am they travelled to Bugle for their first entry in these championships. Once arriving in Bugle it was then time to perform the first task of the day , the march to the contest field. Forming up with all the other bands they proceed through the village to the contest arena . It wasn.t just a march down,  as all the bands were judged on there deportment.Once all the bands had marched through the village it was then time for the contest to start. Having been pre-drawn the band found themselves playing of a  no 4 spot. It was then time to gather around and sign in to be able to enter the contest stage. Once they had started their testpiece it was soon over and then it was a case of waiting for the results at the end of the day. With 29 bands taking part throughout the day the results weren't expected until at least 7.30pm. Time for the results, and when it came to the fourth section the 3rd and 2nd places were announced. Everyone waited in anticipation to see who had won and were to become Fourth section Champions. It was then announced that Tiverton had won. To cap a good day the bands Principal Cornet player , Tina Pillivant was announced as the best player in the section .                 

THORVERTON COUNTRY FAIR                             JUNE 2010

The band spent an enjoyable afternoon entertaining the large crowd at Thorverton Country Fair . In glorious sunshine they played outside the beer tent and with the hot weatther it proved to be one of the populaar spots in the showground. With children dancing and people singing along the programme of music was well received .

WHIT FRIDAY MARCHES                                         MAY 2010

A party of 30 players and friends travelled to Saddleworth, near Manchester for the annual Whit Friday Brass Band Competition.

After rehearsals it was onto the coach on Thursday morning for the long journey to their hotel at Disbury. The prizes started to roll in on the first night, when, at the hotel our bass trombonists wife won a sum of money on the bingo, this was followed by Hannah winning the Play Your Cards Right competition, and a team, one of two entered by the band, albeit a team of 15 band members, won the quiz.

 After a relaxing morning ,and making use of  facilities at the hotel, it was then time to prepare for the afternoons events. A rehearsal was held in the nightclub of the hotel and after some promotional photographs it was then onto the coach and off to the first of our competitions. The coach journey was totally different than last years as the weather was bright and there was only afew clouds in the sky.

The first contest , at Scouthead, was very busy when we arrived and it was then our turn to take our place on the march. The bright weather had brought the crowds out and a large crowd were gathered at the contest stage.

Remembering the thunder and lightning of last year, the band played the march 'Punchinello'   without the cracks and rumbles and were appreciated by the large crowds and fellow bandsmen.    

Contests at Lydgate, Friezland, Greenfield followed before arriving at Uppermill.

 After a quick snack and a coffee it was our turn again.
All through the main street the crowds were lining the route and applauding all the bands as they proceeded to the contest arena.    

After playing it was back on to the bus and off to Diggle for our penultimate performance. Now getting a bit darker it was intersting to find their way off the road , up the lane and into the arena to play their test piece march once again.

Back on the coach the band had decided to try and finish at Delph and listen to some of the other bands come through . With delays getting into Delph the band found themselves playing last but one and were only followed by Delph Band. After finishing the performance it was then time to relax and enjoy some local 'chips and gravy'. An upbeat journey back to the hotel followed and everyone seemed in high spirits beore retiring to there rooms in the small hours of Saturday morning.

Once the bus had been loaded,later that morning, it was then off for the long journey back to the Westcountry, but it wasnt long before the inevitable phone call arrived  "long  delays from m5 junction 12 right down to m5 junction 22" . Whilst sitting in the traffic queues another phoned call arrived from a friend up north to say that some results were up on 4barsrest and that we had come third in the 3rd/4th section at Greenfield. Everyone ,especially our MD was pleased and it made the journey even better. On returning home we then recieved a email from Diggle contest telling us of our 3rd position in section at their contest . A good weekend was had by all .

NEWS                                                                         MAY 2010

The band announce three new signings for the coming season. Andy Pearce joins the band on Bass Trombone, bringing a wealth of experience to the section. Cornet player Paul Maulton joins as a utility player fitting in where required and John Fitton joins on Euphonium. The band welcome all three and hope they enjoy their time with the band .     

NEWS                                                                         MAY 2010

May saw the band securing another support package , this time from Blakes Coaches of East Anstey near Tiverton. Added to previous supoprt this should see the band well into the future and Thanks go to Janet and David Blake for their help.

SCOUTS PARADE , TIVERTON

A dull and wet afternoon greeted scouts and guides before the annual parade to St Peters Church in Tiverton. The band led the parade through the main street and around to the church where a full congregation followed the service . The rain held off for the return march back to the town centre. Scouting leaders thanked the band and all that took part in the parade and how the youngsters had been a credit to the scouting movement    

FAREWELL                                                             March 2010

Sadly after our Spring concert we said farewell to Bass Trombonist Andy Chapple who has taken on a new job and unfortunately cannot give the band the level of time and commitment  that he feels is necessary. We thank Andy for all his help and support in his time with the band and are sure that we will be calling on him when his services are required .

SPRING CONCERT, TIVERTON                             March 2010

Following on from last weeks concert in Chard the band, conducted by MD Gilly Taylor, played to a full audience at Tivertons New Hall. Joined by Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud' and the Training Band the audience enjoyed a varied programme of music and song. It was also a chance for the band to play new music in preperation for, what is looking to become,  a very busy summer season.   

CHARD BAPTIST CHURCH                                   March 2010 

Our first concert of 2010 and what a cracker it was. With our MD and a couple of players committed to the Regional Championships at Torquay it was left to Bandmaster Graham Pillivant to lead us through a varied programme and the full house werent dissapointed with some very good playing and melodic tunes. Joining us for the concert was St Mary's Church guitar group and the audience joined in with some favourite songs from years gone by. The total raised on the night was £820 which will be shared equallly between Project Romania and Rehoboth Childrens Home in the Phillipines, where  two previuos players from the band, Sean and Tasha Shemwell  are starting a period of voluntary work within the next few weeks. We wish them well and were pleased to be asked to put on a concert for the charity . 

SUPPORTING SPONSORSHIP                           MARCH 2010

Tiverton Town Band are pleased to announce that a local Solicitors practice , Dunn & Baker from Cullompton have agreed to support the band through a package put together by Graham and Senior Partner Julia Green , which should take the band well into the future. The long term support willl see both financial support along with advertising and added support for major events in the bands calender.
This comes at a time when a number of other companies are in talks with Graham and finalising deals to help the band in the future.  

AWARDS NIGHT                                           FEBRUARY 2010

Award Winners 2009    ........................ left to right .....

Bandperson of the year......... Andrew Payne
MD Player of the year............ Liz Payne
Bandmasters player of the year .Dave Broomfield
Training band player of the year.....Sam White
MD Player of the year Runner Up...Mandy Lewry 

HAITI APPEAL CONCERT                               JANUARY 2010

The band took part in a charity concet at St Peters Church and along with local primary schools children raised an amazing total of just under £4000 

NEWS                                                               JANUARY  2010

The year has started, as usual , with the band's AGM where all officers of the band were re-elected to stand for 2010, and all committee members were elected. The one  change is that Gilly Taylor has accepted the position of Musical Director and is no longer the acting MD. The band have a good number of plans for this year and will be posting all details of events and goings-on here on the website SO KEEP YOUR EYES PEELED FOR NEWS OF THESE EVENTS !!!! 

CHRISTMAS FINALE                                    DECEMBER 2009

Our end of year Christmas Finale. This ever popular event was our thank you social evening to friends of the band and supporters of Tiverton Rugby Club. The evening consisted of carol singing and festive music which was enjoyed by all. The evening was also a chance for the children to sing 'Away in a manger' before the rugby club choir gave their annual rendition of 'The First Nowell'. The band were thanked for the evenings entertainment and Gilly, Graham and the Rugby Club were thanked by the band,  and everyone left the event looking forward to next year with anticipation   

                                    19th DECEMBER 2009

 Check out our REPORTS section for news of an
            exciting event on Saturday evening. 

CHRISTMAS AT EXETER AIRPORT           DECEMBER 2010 

Another playout at Exeter Airport to  entertain holiday makers jetting of to ski resorts. With half a dozen flights leaving the airport a steady stream of people passed through check in and past where the band was playing. They are pleased to be sending off a cheque for Macmillan Nurses as the airports charity for 2009.  

SUPERMARKET CAROLLING                     DECEMBER 2009

Two nights of carolling at Morrisons and Tesco's in Tiverton raised much needed funds for the band and thanks go to those who played in sub zero temperatures.

CHRISTMAS JUKE BOX                               DECEMBER 2009

The band were asked again to play at the Globe Inn at Sampford Peverell, a gig that is becoming an annual event. Diners and drinkers were treated to some festive music and light hearted humour from the band. After refreshments the band were asked back again next year.  

WITHERIDGE CHUCH CAROLS                   DECEMBER 2009

A full church joined with the band for what has become a highlight of the village calendar. This was the 10th year the band had been playing at this service and now it is standing room only. Joined by the village Music Group a programme of carols , readings and music was enjoyed by everyone and refreshments were laid on for all to enjoy after the service.     

SALVATION ARMY CAROLS                       DECEMBER 2009

The band played at Tiverton Salvation Army Hall for the annual carol service.The corp timbrel group also performed and were delighted that although they had rehearsed to a recording the band were able to play the march Christmas Joy  live for their performance. Refreshments were served after and the audience left in a Christmas mood    

CHRISTMAS CONCERT                                DECEMBER 2009

The bands Christmas concert was held at the New Hall in Tiverton , and playing to a large audience, who were treated to mulled wine and mince pies on their arrival,  a really  fun evening was had .  The band's  guests for the evening were once again Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud', under the leadership of Katy Baker. All the Christmas classics were included in the concert and there was even a visit from Santa. The evening finished with the choir singing with the band to  Slade's classic Merry Christmas Everybody, As an encore Katy Baker was brought on stage to conduct the band whilst bandmaster Graham Pillivant conducted the choir, with Father Christmas playing Trombone.   

CHRISTMAS AT EXETER AIRPORT            DECEMBER 2009

The band played at Exeter airport to entertain passengers awaiting flight departures. Staff members joined in with carols and Christmas songs and a collection was made for Macmillan Nurses    

HALBERTON CHURCH                                 DECEMBER 2009

An enjoyable afternoon was had by a large audience at Halberton church. They were entertained by the band, and some musical items by children from the village. The concert was to raise funds for Halberton Pre School. After the concert the audience were able to take refreshments of mulled wine and mince pies.

TIVERTON TOWN CENTRE                          DECEMBER 2009

A dry day at last for the band to play festive music in Tiverton Market . A large crowd enjoyed all the Christmas favourites and some traditional carols.  As the band were packing away , yes it started to rain.    

TIVERTON CHRISTMAS LIGHTS                 DECEMBER 2009

Another wet playout for us but a large crowd had gathered for the Christmas lights switch on. We managed to avoid the rain by playing in the cinema entrance, the crowd  were entertained by the band and Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud'    

PORTREEVES PARADE, ASHBURTON     NOVEMBER 2009

After the wet evening the previous day who would have thought there was any more rain to come. We arrived at Ashburton during a break in the rain but as soon as we started to march down it came. After some hot coffee it was time for the return march and it rained again. We have had a lot of use from our rain coats this year and it would be nice to think we might not need them so much next year

CHRISTMAS PARADE, CULLOMPTON      NOVEMBER 2009

The band had been asked to play in the centre of Cullompton for the Christmas lights Parade. When we arrived the town was suffering from a downpour and all the streets were like rivers flowing through the town centre. The band had been asked to play in the town to entertain the crowds before the actual parade passed by. With it raining so hard we thought we would have to abandon our part until it was suggested that we try and get a gazeebo or suchlike. With little time to erect a gazebo one of our loyal supporters was contacted to see if we could use one of his lorries to sit in and play. The Lamb Hill Garage vehicle delivery lorry was parked up, opened up and we set up inside, it was like a portable stage, a little cold but at least we were in the dry. Whilst the parade passed through the town centre the rain held off and a large crowd watched the majorettes and floats pass by . An interesting evening was had by all and were asked to make next years event bigger and better    

CHILDREN IN NEED                                     NOVEMBER 2009

A group of players  travelled to Weymouth to present a cheque to the BBC Children In Need appeal , proceeds from their concert in October.                    The cheque was for £1521.00. 

SWBBA CHAMPIONSHIPS, TORQUAY      NOVEMBER 2009

Today was a milestone in the bands history as we had decided to enter the SWBBA Championships for the very first time. With weeks of rehearsals in preperatioon for our Children in Need concert last weekend , the last week was dedicated to our test piece "Four Little Maids "by John Carr. Leaving Tiverton at 8.00am we all travelled to Torquay wondering what the day would hold, only 5 players had ever played at Torquay contest before. On arrival at the venue we were met by our Musical Director, Gilly Taylor who informed us that we had been drawn number 5 out of 8 bands. It was time to get some coffee and chat with family and friends before our turn came. We took to the stage and composed ourselves, the baton dropped and we were off  Surprisingly the nerves seemed to have  all held and we sailed through the movements with smiles on our faces and an even bigger one on our MD's. At the end of the performance everyone was smiling and really happy . Now we could relax and wait for the results. Mid afternoon saw the results and as we waited the 3rd ,2nd and 1st places were announced. We obviously didn't know where we had come until we received our adjudicators remarks.
We had been placed Fourth on the day, much to the delight of other bands and our own  supporters. We will take on board the adjudicators comments and build for what could be an interesting future.  

  4th Section (Four Little Maids)       Adjudicator- Barry Thompson 

1 Hatherleigh Silver                            David Hayward
2 Weymouth Concert Brass                Adam Glynn
3 Indian Queens Silver                        Kevin Ackford
4 Tiverton Town                                  Gilly Taylor 
5 Okehampton Excelsior Silver           Des Law
6 Totnes                                             Steve young 
7 Porthleven Town                              EFRalph
8 City of Exeter Railway                      Colin Dance

CHILDREN IN NEED , TIVERTON                  OCTOBER 2009

31st October 2009 saw the band perform their 25th and final concert  in aid of Children In Need. Compère for the evening was BBC's Philip Hunt, presenter of Sounds of Brass. Also taking part was the band's former Musical Director Andrew Harris. It was the bands current Musical Director Gilly Taylor who started the concert with Monty Pearces march "Invasion".  This was followed by a suite which the band will be playing at Torquay contest on 7th November, John Carrs "Four Little Maids". It was then time for the bands guests to take the stage and the audience welcomed Tiverton youth choir 'Singing Aloud'  who sang songs from the film 'The Lion King '.
It was then the turn of Andrew Harris to take the band with a couple of numbers including 'Rock Around The Clock' and YMCA performed with the youth choir. A highlight of the first half was 'Sophia-andy' who performed the castanets feature Hernandos Hideaway. The second half opened with Kevin Ackfords 'Sounds of Brass' which impressed Philip Hunt as he could hear the piece played in full. The concert finished with a last night of the proms feel which had the audience and choir taking part in Jerusalem, Sea songs and Land of Hope And Glory.
A fantastic £1,500 was raised for the Children-in-Need charity which will be presented on Friday 20th November at the live event being broadcast from Weymouth.  This brings the total raised by the band, over 25 concerts, to a staggering £20,000.

WESTEXE PARK, TIVERTON                     SEPTEMBER 2009

After many weeks of unsettled weather at playouts it was nice to be greeted by glorious sunshine for our last two playouts. A large crowd had gathered at Westexe Park in Tiverton  and were treated to some fine playing by both the senior band and our training group.They were also entertained by our bandmasters humour between pieces. A fun afternoon was had and with teas and coffes being made available by the bowling club the crowd seemed to grow in size as the afternoon progressed.    

STOWFORD MEADOWS                            SEPTEMBER  2009

An enjoyable afternoon was spent in glorious sunshine at Stowford Meadows Caravan Park near Combe Martin. A large crowd gathered to watch the band as they performed two sets in the marquee. The programme consisted of lots of popular tunes which had the audience singing along and asking for more . Although a number of players were absent due to work and holidays the band were helped by friends from South Molton and Appledore bands.  
Organisers of the event thanked the band and booked them for the same event next year.

EXMOUTH FESTIVAL                                 SEPTEMBER 2009

A dry but chilly day welcomed twelve bands to the SWBBA annual festival. Bands from as far away as Hayle  in Cornwall and Uttoxeter in Staffordshire took part and played both inside and outside the venue.

 

The inside performances were judged by Capt David Barringer , MD of the British Army Brass Band. The winning performance was by Phoenix Brass from Crewkerne in Somerset .

Tiverton Town Band , whose programme included Aces High, Reflections in Nature, Nobody Does It Better,Old Rugged Cross, Grand Old Duke and Rock Around The Clock, were placed in eighth place therefore winning the Harris Cup for the highest placed  ungraded band. 

right ......principal cornet Tina Pillivant with the Harris Cup at Tiverton Rugby Club

FAREWELL BRIAN                                            AUGUST  2009

              We recently said cheerio to our 2nd Baritone player Brian, who has decided to retire from playing as the 75 mile round trip to band has taken its toll. He has been a member of the band for about 20 years and has brought experience to the band having served as bandmaster in both the RAF and the Salvation Army . We wish him and Hannah all the best in his retirement and hope he will follow us whenever his time allows. 

BLENHEIM GARDENS , MINEHEAD                 AUGUST 2009

Cloudy but dry was the weather for the morning performance at Blenheim Gardens in Minehead. A large crowd enjoyed the programme which included Aces High, Nobbody Does It Better, Grand Old Duke and Rock Around the Clock. The afternoon performance was enjoyed by a large crowd ,probably as it was after Butlin's meal time.Organised by Super-act this was the final concert in the summer series and Director of Super-act, Paul Smith was on hand to thank all the sponsors and bands for taking part.   

TOPSHAM CARNIVAL                                       AUGUST 2009

A bright sunny evening welcomed eveyone to Topsham for the carnival procession as part of Topsham Fayre week. A large crowd were treated to some amazing floats and the usual band's and majorette troupes.   

ILFRACOMBE GARDENS                                  AUGUST 2009

At last a dry engagement. A large audience were treated to some well known tunes and some witty banter by our MD Gilly Taylor. With a full band some fine playing was heard and the audience grew in size as the afternoon went on. Aces High set the mood and was followed by Reflections in Nature. Then it was the turn of our bandmaster Graham to play 'Nobody Does It Better'. Daydream Beleiver ,Tea for Two, and the Grand old Duke completed the first half. The second half opened with the march D&C , written for the band of the Devon And Cornwall Constabluary by their late MD Keith Whittle, Cornfield Rock, and Rock Around The Clock were included and left the audience asking for more.      

BLAKE GARDENS, BRIDGEWATER                 AUGUST 2009

A large crowd enjoyed the bands performance at Blake Gardedns in Bridgewater on a really hot and sunny Sunday afternoon. Despite some technical hitches with the P.A system the concert ran along smoothly . With holidays coinciding with the playout the band were helped by a couple of friends from South Molton Band and an enjoyable afternoon was had by all .

BOVEY TRACEY CARNIVAL                            AUGUST 2009

The weather was great for Bovey Tracey carnival, after all the rain we have had it was nice to not have to worry about wearing wet weather gear. A large crowd enjoyed the procession and along with the band there were some highly decorated floats. Organiseres said that it was unknown to have a wet carnival so look forward to next year     

WESTEXE PARK , TIVERTON                                 JULY 2009

Well, after all these weeks of getting through the showers and completeing our performances,the weather finally beat us after an hour at Westexe Park in Tiverton. A larger than expected audience had turned out to see us and after getting settled under the trees it only left the bandstand free for the band. Also performing were the training band who played a couple of numbers during the programme.  The music that was played was appreciated by the audience and some were upset that we abandoned the concert , especially as players , music and instruments were getting soaked . After talking to other bands  since it seems it was county wide and not just Tiverton that suffered.

HISTORIC VEHICLE CLUB COASTAL RUN           JULY 2009

The band travelled to Teignmouth and Bovey Tracey  for the Historic Vehicle Society  annual Coastal Run. With over 300 vehicles taking part the weather could have been better . The band managed to find a tree big enough to sit under to avoid the drizzling rain and entertained a large crowd who were also sheltering from the rain for most of the afternoon . Organisers wre pleased with the attendance and booked the band for next years event

ASHBURTON ALE FESTIVAL                                 JULY 2009

Today the band played at the Ancient Ale Tasting and Bread Weighing Ceremony In Ashburton. Despite unsettled weather it remained dry ,and at one point hot enough to remove coats , throughout the event . With themed music everyone got into the spirit of things and the event was enjoyed by the participants as well as the large crowd    

COMMUNITY CENTRE 10th BIRTHDAY                  JULY2009

The band played at the Sunningbrook Community Centres 10th Birthday Fete.
Despite the inclement weather a large crowd was able to watch a variety of local organisations, performing throughout the afternoon. The band entertained the crowd before the event was officially opened by Tivertons Mayor, and the band played after . Also performing were wilcombe school choir, Tiverton Town Majorrettes , a comedian and Tiverton youth choir Sing Aloud. The event was enjoyed by all and organisers were already talking about the next 10 years.  

COURTNEY PARK CONCERT                                 JULY 2009

On Sunday the band travelled to Newton Abbot for a concert in Courtney Park. Although the weather wasn't as good as Saturday there was a large audience who braved the high winds and intermittent showers to enjoy a full and varied programme.    

HOLCOMBE ROGUS FETE                                     JULY  2009

The band have had a busy weekend, playing, on Saturday in the glorious sunshine, in the grounds of Holcombe Court for the village fete. The excellent weather brought the crowds in and the tea room next to the band was exceptionally busy. Organisers say it was probably the largest crowd they have ever had at the fete.

CULLOMPTON FESTIVAL                                       JULY 2009

The band played at the Cullompton Festival concert recently. Assisted by the training band.
Although there was a small audience , due to technical difficulties at the school, those that were there were treated to some very good playing by both bands. Most of the programme
was made up of popular tunes that were enjoyed by the audience and Organisers hoped the band would be able to play again next year. Theyalso hoped that an open air concert in one of the large gardens in Cullompton could be arranged in aid of Cullompton Festival 2010.

WHIT FRIDAY TURNS INTO WET FRIDAY            JUNE 2009

      The band recently travelled to Manchester for the Whit Friday march contests. After all the fantastic weather we had been having who would have thought how the day was going to turn out. We held a short rehearsal in the hotel car park before adjourning to the local pub for lunch, sat in shorts and t-shirts the gardens gave us all a time to relax and look forward to an enjoyable evening .
      Back to the hotel to change and board the bus ,we then set off to Saddleworth. Whilst driving along
the motorway a few raindrops appeared              
on the windscreen but nothing much.              
We arrived at our first contest venue to
black clouds and strong winds. It was then our turn to march up the street to the contest stage, albeit a fenced off area in the middle of a field.Just as we were about to start our testpiece the thunder and lightning started, but still no rain . As we  left the field it started to drizzle. At the second venue it was worse . Our runner had booked us in and as we waited to march up the street the heavens opened . We carried on and got rather wet but as soon as we were back on the coach the heating soon kicked in and helped us along. 
      A number of such like venues followed , but we were enjoying it .At one stage we could honestly say we had beaten Black Dyke . It might only have that we played two positions before them but we had beaten them to the stage . To be able to say that we had played in the same arena as some of the worlds top bands was just a great feeling.

      With light fading very fast, due to the weather, there were concerns as to wether we would get in to enough venues, but we plodded on and did what we had to do. Our last venue was going to  be a difficult one as it was now pitch black. At 11.30 pm we played our last march and then it was on the bus for the 1 hr journey back to the hotel.
       An enjoyable time was had by all and we are already discussing next years visit. With a mixed bag of results we were pleased to come away with a position of 39th out of 151 bands. If the weather had been better other bands would have competed in more contests so at the moment we are pleased with this result   
  

WHIT FRIDAY MARCHES                                        JUNE 2009

      We are about to embark on a new adventure for the band, by taking part in the annual Whit Friday march contests, on Friday 5th June, at Saddleworth near Manchester. This will be the first time a lot of our players will have attended these contests, although some of our players have played with other bands in previous years.

      It will be a long and arduous task but the band are really looking forward to taking part in this world famous event . Results and a write up, including pictures, will be posted as soon as they become available on our return.